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Ballykeefe Distillery’s mission is to produce fine Whiskeys and other spirits in a manner which promotes sustainability both in terms of the integration between farm and distillery, but also in the creation of a diversified enterprise which will ensure sustainability of that enterprise for decades to come. To this end the creation of a distillery complements that entirely, facilitating the generation of additional revenue streams while increasing the efficiency of the farming operation through clever but appropriate use of distillery by-products.
Throughout the design phase of the distillery project, the aspiration has been to create an enterprise with the lowest available carbon foot print, and a facility which seeks to minimise waste and energy usage, while ensuring commercial viability.
Key examples of this are as follows:
- The by-products of distillation are fed o the livestock and there is absolutely no off-farm waste to contaminate the environment. As well as offering a sustainable treatment of a waste stream from the distillery, it also reduces the other feed requirements on the farm.
- The proximity of the farm gives Ballykeefe Distillery a distinct advantage over other distilleries in Ireland by eliminating the need for transporting pot ale and draff long distances
- In the barley growing process there is a requirement to spray the crops to prevent insect and fungal attack. To this end Ballykeefe Distillery has invested in Satellite Navigation systems which ensure that the spraying process and dosage is carefully controlled and over spraying eliminated
- Spent Lees from the second and third distillations is collected in an effluent tank and neutralised prior to land spreading on the adjacent farm
- Straw from the barley harvesting is used as animal bedding during the winter months
- Passive Stack Ventilation design in the distillery building resulting in fans running between temperature set points as opposed to always on
- Selection of a high efficiency Steam Generator as the boiler, offering a good turndown ratio and the ability to start up quickly
- Designing the Cooling System such that heat will be recovered from the cooling water return to service the domestic hot water system serving the employee facilities and Visitor Centre area.
